On September 10, 1748, sixteen-year-old George Washington paid 3 shillings, 9 pence to a “musick master for my entrance.” Young Washington recorded these sparse details in Ledger Book Zero, a personal account ledger listing credits and debits with family, friends, and business associates between 1747 and 1750. This, as far as we can tell, is … Continue reading Agreeable Amusements: Music & Dancing in the Life of George Washington
George Washington
Five International Influences on George Washington’s Early Life
An Essay of a New and Compact Map, Containing the Known Parts of the Terrestrial Globe by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin was published in 1750 when George Washington was 18-years-old. Credit: Wikipedia. Ferry Farm was a unique place to live in the mid-1700s. Situated where farm, frontier, city, river, and road converged on the edge of English … Continue reading Five International Influences on George Washington’s Early Life
“Dined at the City Tavern”
Christmas in the 18th century was celebrated quite differently than it is today. Unlike today, one of the most important (and wildest) celebrations of the season took place on January 6th, or Epiphany. Also known as Twelfth Night, this holiday is more comparable to our present-day New Year’s celebrations in style and entertainment. Our stereotypical … Continue reading “Dined at the City Tavern”
[Infographic] Ten Pivotal Moments of George Washington’s Boyhood
You can also read the original blog post with a few more details here.
General Likability: Eisenhower and Washington
Left - Dwight D. Eisenhower on horseback in his later years. Credit: Eisenhower National Historic Site | Right - George Washington receiving the salute on the field at Trenton (1899) by John Faed. Credit: Public Domain. “Who did I think I was, running against George Washington?” - Adlai Stevenson, 1952 [1] This future president was … Continue reading General Likability: Eisenhower and Washington
Washington and the Culper Spy Ring
At George Washington’s Ferry Farm, we largely focus on George’s youth but also eagerly research and learn as much as we can about all periods of his life. During our unexpected closure due to COVID-19, some of our interpretive staff had the chance to study a little more about Washington and the Culper Spy Ring … Continue reading Washington and the Culper Spy Ring
“Your Entire George Washington”: The Affection Between George and Martha
After George Washington died on December 14, 1799, his wife, Martha, burned all of their correspondence. From the perspective of a historian, her decision devastates. However, it was a common 18th century practice for married couples to burn personal correspondence after the death of one spouse. Perhaps it was a way for the surviving spouse … Continue reading “Your Entire George Washington”: The Affection Between George and Martha
Family Leaders Guiding a Younger Generation: George and Betty’s Letters
George Washington was the oldest of Augustine and Mary Washington’s five children. The next oldest was daughter Betty, who was born 14 months after George and was his only sister. George and Betty are immensely important to us at George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore. They spent their formative years at Ferry Farm and … Continue reading Family Leaders Guiding a Younger Generation: George and Betty’s Letters
Little George’s Grand Tour of Europe [Photos]
A staff member who works at George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore vacationed in England, Austria, and Hungary last September and October. Little George accompanied her and enjoyed seeing new sites and delving into the history of Europe. As the real George Washington left the shores of North America only once to accompany his … Continue reading Little George’s Grand Tour of Europe [Photos]
George Washington’s “Last Act of Personal Duty”
The Presidential election of 1789 looked quite different than our current election day. For one, the election had to last almost a month to ensure that each state had time for their voters to choose their candidate. Then, in February, the Electoral College announced that Washington would be the first president with a resounding 69 … Continue reading George Washington’s “Last Act of Personal Duty”
Lives & Legacies 